Fifteen ways to spend your time at the falls
The falls themselves are the main sight, and the list below adds boats, tunnels, viewpoints, trails and an evening. Six ideas are on the US side and seven are in Ontario. One is an evening idea for either side, and one is a day out of town. Prices are in USD on the US side and in CAD on the Canadian side, so do not compare them directly.
If you only have time for one paid ride, start with a Niagara Falls boat tour and add free viewpoints around it. The state park on the US side is free to walk, which makes the viewpoints cheap to combine.
Our pick: three classics in one tour
Skylon Tower, Journey Behind the Falls and the boat cover the top of this list.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Niagara Falls tours and experiences
Boat rides, guided tours and day trips on both sides of the falls, with live prices and availability.
Fifteen ideas, numbered
Numbers follow the order of a typical visit, not a ranking. Opening hours and prices can change, so check them before you go.
1. Boat ride from the US side
The boat leaves from the foot of the Observation Tower at Prospect Point. The ride takes about 20 minutes and includes a poncho. Adults pay USD 30.25 and children aged 6 to 12 pay USD 19.75 (2026). Children up to 5 ride free with a paying adult. The season runs from 24 April to 8 November 2026.
Boat tour guide →2. Boat ride from the Canadian side
Voyage to the Falls leaves from the Main Ticket Plaza, at 5920 Niagara Parkway, and takes about 20 minutes. A poncho is included. Adults pay from CAD 47.95. Before sunset you get the full mist, and after sunset only the outer area is open.
Compare both boats →3. Journey Behind the Falls
An elevator takes you down about 125 ft at Table Rock Centre to tunnels, portals and an outdoor platform at the Horseshoe Falls. Plan about 60 minutes. The self-guided visit costs CAD 33 for adults and CAD 21.50 for ages 3 to 12, with children up to 2 free. Advance-sale tickets cost CAD 28 and CAD 18.50 plus tax, so check the price at checkout. Strollers are not allowed.
Journey Behind the Falls →4. Cave of the Winds
The entrance is at 10 Goat Island Loop Road. Cave of the Winds ends on the Hurricane Deck below Bridal Veil Falls. The winter rate from 19 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 is USD 14 for adults and USD 10 for youth. Tickets are timed and sold on site, at the attraction or the Welcome Center. Bring footwear that can get wet, since sandals are no longer handed out.
Cave of the Winds →5. Observation Tower and Cataract Stairs
The tower looks at all the falls, though its outer end has limited access. The Cataract Stairs, formerly the Crow's Nest, were completed on 4 September 2026. They have 274 steps in all, and a new platform sits about 35 ft from the American Falls. Check the day's access when you arrive.
6. Terrapin Point on Goat Island
A viewpoint on Goat Island right at the Horseshoe Falls. It is free to walk in the state park.
7. Luna Island
A small island between American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Keep behind the railings, since the current is strong and water levels change quickly.
8. Three Sisters Islands
Paths along the upper rapids. Swimming is not allowed anywhere along the river.
9. Power Station and tunnel
The former Niagara Parks Power Station is a museum, with an underground tunnel to a platform at the river. An elevator drops 180 ft, and the tunnel is 2,200 ft long. It is open all year, and about 2 hours is a fair allowance. Advance-sale tickets cost CAD 33 and CAD 21.50 plus tax for ages 13 and over and ages 3 to 12.
10. White Water Walk
A boardwalk at the Whirlpool Rapids, reached by an elevator that drops 70 m. Plan about 60 minutes. It runs from April to November. Adults pay CAD 21 and children aged 3 to 12 pay CAD 13.50, with ages 2 and under free.
11. Whirlpool Aero Car
A cable car over the whirlpool at 3850 Niagara Parkway. Both ends are in Canada, so there is no border check. Adults pay CAD 25 and ages 3 to 12 pay CAD 16.50. It runs from April to November. There are 40 steps down and 40 back up, no step-free access, and strollers are not allowed. Allow about 45 minutes.
12. Niagara Glen
A hiking area in the gorge. Stay on marked trails, keep dogs on a leash, and do not swim or cycle. Some trail sections close from time to time, and winter adds ice, snow and early darkness. Check the current trail status before you go.
13. Clifton Hill
The entertainment district of Niagara Falls, Ontario, with attractions, restaurants and hotels. It is an area to walk rather than a single ticket.
14. The falls at night
The illumination runs every night of the year. Fireworks follow a seasonal calendar and are not nightly. The winter lights festival runs from 14 November 2026 to 10 January 2027.
Falls at night →15. Niagara-on-the-Lake
A day out in the Heritage District, with theatre and a wine region. It is about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls. The Shaw Festival season is 2 April to 23 December 2026. The Niagara Peninsula is a protected wine appellation, known for Riesling, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
Niagara-on-the-Lake →Paid attractions at a glance
Adult prices in 2026, in the currency of the side that sells them.
| Idea | Side | Adult price | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boat ride | US | USD 30.25 | 24 April to 8 November 2026 |
| Boat ride | Canada | From CAD 47.95 | Seasonal calendar, 2026 |
| Journey Behind the Falls | Canada | CAD 33 | All year |
| Cave of the Winds | US | USD 14 (winter rate) | All year; winter rate to 31 March 2027 |
| White Water Walk | Canada | CAD 21 | April to November |
| Whirlpool Aero Car | Canada | CAD 25 | April to November |
| Observation Tower, Terrapin Point, Luna Island, Three Sisters Islands | US | – | – |
For most first visits, pick one boat, one walk-in experience (Journey or Cave of the Winds) and an evening, then fill the rest of the day with the free viewpoints.
Things to do in Niagara Falls: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do at Niagara Falls?
For most first visits: one boat ride, Journey Behind the Falls or Cave of the Winds, the free viewpoints and the falls at night. The list above has fifteen ideas for both sides.
What is free at Niagara Falls?
Walking in Niagara Falls State Park costs nothing, and so do Terrapin Point, Luna Island and Three Sisters Islands. The Winter Festival of Lights is free to walk from 14 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Boats, tunnels and Cave of the Winds are paid.
How much time should I plan?
One full day covers a boat ride, one walk-in attraction and the viewpoints on one side. Two days let you see both sides, with an evening for the illumination.
Can I do both sides in one trip?
Yes, if your documents allow it. The Rainbow Bridge has a pedestrian crossing, and entry rules depend on your nationality.
Which ideas work in winter?
The Power Station and tunnel, Journey Behind the Falls and Cave of the Winds are open all year, with winter conditions and prices. The boats run in season only. The US boat ends on 8 November 2026.
Is this the official Niagara Falls website?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not run by or connected to the parks, the attractions or any tourism office.